discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 
-ˈskrim-nə-
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
Examples of discriminatory in a Sentence
The law prohibits discriminatory hiring practices.
a company that was fined for its discriminatory practices in the hiring of women
Recent Examples on the Web
Black folks have seen the face of the US’s prerogative state—the side of the government that dispenses arbitrary jurisprudence, discriminatory law enforcement, and violence against those who challenge its authority and dominant ideologies.
—
Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
But Fultz underscores that the bill was introduced because the previous legislation was deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory by Canadian courts.
—Vivian Song, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Critics inside Israel—including opposition lawmakers, legal advisers, and former security officials—argue the measure is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and could endanger Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
By his logic, any determination that a particular hiring pattern is discriminatory creates discrimination against other groups, meaning there’s no way for businesses or governments to address discrimination and bias at all.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
But Fultz underscores that the bill was introduced because the previous legislation was deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory by Canadian courts.
—Vivian Song, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Critics inside Israel—including opposition lawmakers, legal advisers, and former security officials—argue the measure is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and could endanger Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
By his logic, any determination that a particular hiring pattern is discriminatory creates discrimination against other groups, meaning there’s no way for businesses or governments to address discrimination and bias at all.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
Cite this Entry
“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
: showing discrimination : being unfair
discriminatory treatment
Legal Definition
discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē
1
: applying discrimination in treatment
2
: having unlawful discrimination as an effect
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